22 Apr Here are 11 reasons Why We are Freaking Out About the Jollof Festival

The BBC predicted that jollof rice would be a buzzing food trend. To that we say: it’s about time. Naturally, we’re thrilled that jollof may be getting the international attention it deserves, and luckily, we have the Jollof Festivals coming up to fully indulge in our favorite dish. Here are just 10 reasons we’re looking forward to this year’s events

It’s a Foodie’s Dream

It’s a festival celebrating the West African celebratory dish, Jollof, prepared by vendors from different Western African countries, who also serve side dishes from their respective countries. Add on a side of gizdodo (gizzards with fried ripe plantain),or a vegan salad with puff puff, and it’s pretty much happiness on a plate. What’s not to like?

1. It’s a Foodie’s Dream

It’s a festival celebrating the West African celebratory dish, Jollof, prepared by vendors from different Western African countries, who also serve side dishes from their respective countries. Add on a side of gizdodo (gizzards with fried ripe plantain),or a vegan salad with puff puff, and it’s pretty much happiness on a plate. What’s not to like?

2. The Celebration/Representation of Cultures

From the food to the music to the Bazaar, the Jollof Festivals are a full-on celebration of some of our favorite parts of our culture. Last year featured chefs from Cameroon, Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal, Liberia, Ivory Coast, and Sierra Leone. You don’t have to travel to different restaurants to sample dishes from all these countries. Why not do that at once at one event with all the good people?

3. The Chance to Support Black Businesses

Most of the vendors, restaurants, and designers featured in the Jollof Festivals are local businesses from the communities where the festivals are happening. Come through to support these local black-owned businesses and enjoy some delicious food for your efforts.

4. Two Words: Jollof Wars

Tell a Nigerian that Ghana makes the best jollof rice in West Africa and be prepared for a detailed explanation of how everything from the rice to the chickens in Ghana are, and will always be, inferior. Jollof rice is a huge source of friendly banter among West African countries — and the Jollof Festival is more than happy to continue this rivalry. Judges vote for their favorite version of jollof rice from the vendors, and the winner gets bragging rights for the entire year. Last year, Nigeria took the title. Can they hold on to it this year?

5. The Audience Is the Judge

Speaking of Jollof Wars, this year’s festivals will include an audience voting process. In addition to the appointed Judges, attendees will get a say in whose jollof is superior. Think your country’s jollof deserves the crown? This is your chance to get your voice heard.

6. Staying Ahead of Trends

Speaking of Jollof Wars, this year’s festivals will include an audience voting process. In addition to the appointed Judges, attendees will get a say in whose jollof is superior. Think your country’s jollof deserves the crown? This is your chance to get your voice heard.

7. The Ankara Bazaar

Speaking of Jollof Wars, this year’s festivals will include an audience voting process. In addition to the appointed Judges, attendees will get a say in whose jollof is superior. Think your country’s jollof deserves the crown? This is your chance to get your voice heard.

8. Promoting African Culture

Speaking of Jollof Wars, this year’s festivals will include an audience voting process. In addition to the appointed Judges, attendees will get a say in whose jollof is superior. Think your country’s jollof deserves the crown? This is your chance to get your voice heard.

9.All the Eye Candy

Speaking of Jollof Wars, this year’s festivals will include an audience voting process. In addition to the appointed Judges, attendees will get a say in whose jollof is superior. Think your country’s jollof deserves the crown? This is your chance to get your voice heard.

10. The Music

Speaking of Jollof Wars, this year’s festivals will include an audience voting process. In addition to the appointed Judges, attendees will get a say in whose jollof is superior. Think your country’s jollof deserves the crown? This is your chance to get your voice heard.

11. It Will be Epic (If History is Any Indication)

Speaking of Jollof Wars, this year’s festivals will include an audience voting process. In addition to the appointed Judges, attendees will get a say in whose jollof is superior. Think your country’s jollof deserves the crown? This is your chance to get your voice heard.